There are archetypal characters that become staples in sitcom casts. You have the sweet, dull-witted character who supports the center, ranging from Ted Baxter and Reverend Jim to Coach and Woody. The character who is different from everyone else—the alien—gets the same response as the center. The alien is also a way to tell a story. In the Taxi pilot, John is in the cab with Alex as he explains the backstory of the characters. In Cheers, Diane is the alien, often above the other characters. Her lofty attitude fosters interactions and revelations. That’s called “laying pipe.” You have to tell
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